Youth Basketball Teams in Encinitas, Carlsbad, and North County
Joel Anderson
Over the years, I have become extremely familiar with most of the basketball club teams in San Diego, let alone Encinitas, Carlsbad, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Oceanside, and San Marcos areas of North County San Diego. Hopefully this helps all of you in similar situations save some time in navigating the options. As always, feel free to reach out to me, I am happy to help out.
If you’re searching for basketball teams near Encinitas, Carlsbad, and surrounding North County areas, you’re in the right place. Whether you're looking for competitive AAU programs, developmental club teams, or serious travel opportunities for your child in grades K–8, North County San Diego offers some of the best youth basketball options around. If it's rec basketball you're looking for, check out my article on recreation basketball leagues in the local area.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the top basketball teams near you — covering Encinitas, Carlsbad, Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside, and Carmel Valley.
🏀 San Diego Dime Basketball Club
Based in Encinitas, San Diego Dime Basketball serves players across Carlsbad, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside, and more. Dime runs year-round teams and training for elementary and middle school athletes (both boys and girls). Due to the Dime Basketball Club being one of the largest clubs in San Diego, they utilize several school and municipal gyms in Encinitas, Carlsbad, and San Elijo Hills.
- Focus: Advanced skill development, character building, “family-first” culture, with a focus on multi-sport athletes and long term athlete development
- Competition: Local AAU leagues and tournaments
- Ages: K–8th grade
- More Info: Dime Basketball
🏀 Relentless Basketball (San Diego Relentless)
Relentless Basketball, partnered with Puma, focuses on building young leaders through basketball. Based in North County, Relentless offers a supportive yet highly competitive environment. Relentless typically holds practice in north Carlsbad, at Madison Middle School.
- Teams: Elementary through high school
- Values: Leadership, teamwork, hard work
- More Info: San Diego Relentless
🏀 Gamepoint Basketball
Founded in 2004, Gamepoint Basketball is an Adidas affiliated team. They pull players from across San Diego and Riverside counties. Gamepoint is one of the clubs that has upper echelon teams with nationally competitive high school teams. Gamepoint uses a facility in Oceanside for their practices.
- Teams: Youth through high school (32+ teams)
- Focus: Elite skill training, tournament competition, college exposure
- More Info: Gamepoint Basketball
🏀 California Bearcats
A select club program based in Solana Beach, the California Bearcats draw players from Carlsbad, Encinitas, Leucadia, Del Mar, and Carmel Valley. The Bearcats primarily operate out of Santa Fe Christian School in Solana Beach.
- Teams: Boys teams 3rd–8th grade, plus development squads for 1st–2nd graders
- Seasons: Fall, Winter, and Spring; regional tournament competition
- More Info: California Bearcats
🏀 San Diego Bulldogs (BGC North County)
Operated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest San Diego, the San Diego Bulldogs are based out of Carmel Valley and serve surrounding communities. The Bulldogs are primarily operate out of the
- Teams: Boys (1st–8th grade), Girls (3rd–8th grade)
- Programs: League teams, tournament teams, practice-only options
- Seasons: Year-round with seasonal tryouts
- More Info: San Diego Bulldogs Basketball
🏀 San Diego Sol
One of the longest operating clubs in San Diego, Sol started as an all girls club, and is known for its high-level coaching and premier facilities, San Diego Sol offers club teams, developmental leagues, and camps for elementary through high school players. Sol uses Alliant University for their practices and events.
- Competition: Local leagues and travel tournaments
- Focus: Skill development, game IQ, and team play
- More Info: San Diego Sol
🏀 San Marcos Thunder
The San Marcos Thunder travel teams offer competitive basketball for boys in grades 4–7. The San Marcos Thunder typically practice in San Elijo.
- Format: 8–9 players per team, year-round AAU tournament play
- More Info: San Marcos Thunder
🏀 Coastal Elite Basketball
Based in San Marcos, Coastal Elite Basketball has long been a strong North County program started in the early 2000s.
- Focus: Competitive teams for older youth and high school players
- More Info: Coastal Elite Basketball
Finding the Right Youth Basketball Team Near You
Whether your child dreams of competing in AAU tournaments, improving their fundamentals, or just joining a committed, competitive team, North County San Diego has no shortage of options.
Ready to find the right fit? Reach out to me or explore the links above, and take the next step in your child's basketball journey!